MythBusters, 10th Anniversary Collection Season 1 Episode 3 Hollywood Gunslingers
- June 17, 2012
MythBusters is a scientific-based reality TV show where the hosts, Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, take on popular beliefs and urban legends to test if they're true or false. In the 10th Anniversary Collection season 1 episode 3, Hollywood Gunslingers, the duo tackles the many questions concerning cowboys, outlaws, and gunslingers seen in our favorite Western films and TV shows.
The episode begins by asking if it's possible for someone to dodge a bullet by jumping or rolling away during a gunfight. The hosts attempt to recreate a Western-style showdown by using pistols and cap guns to shoot at each other. They test their agility and timing by jumping and rolling at different distances from the shooter to see if it's possible to dodge a bullet. Along the way, they explain the anatomy and physics of how a bullet travels and the response time of a person's body. The results are both surprising and entertaining.
Next up, the hosts dive into the art of quick-draw. They examine the famous scene in the movie "The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly," where Clint Eastwood's character, Blondie, and Tuco engage in a Mexican standoff, ready to draw their guns to see who's faster. Adam and Jamie explore the science of reaction time, the biomechanics of the wrist movement, and the notion of anticipation in one's behavior. They go through dozens of tests, including using automaton guns, to determine if it's possible to draw faster than someone else.
The third and final myth the hosts investigate involves shooting objects out of people's hands. The Western films often portray this action, where a sharpshooter aims at an object in someone's hand to disarm them. However, Adam and Jamie learn that it's more complicated than it seems. They have to consider the distance, aiming, gun properties, and the object's weight and shape, among other variables. The duo conducts several tests, including using high-speed cameras to see how a bullet interacts with different objects and how much damage it can cause in human flesh.
Throughout the episode, the hosts showcase their chemistry and humor while explaining the science behind guns and gun battles. They communicate their theories and results with the viewers in an accessible but not patronizing way. They don't shy away from complex concepts, but they also make sure to entertain the audience with their antics and jokes.
Overall, the Hollywood Gunslingers episode of MythBusters is a fascinating, thrilling, and informative test of some of the famous Western myths. It's a perfect example of the show's ethos of combining science and entertainment to debunk or confirm popular beliefs about our world. Whether you're a fan of Westerns or not, you'll find this episode engaging and educational.